The Government of Canada launched the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) program in 2008 to strengthen Canada’s ability to attract and retain world-class doctoral students and establish Canada as a global centre of excellence in research and higher learning. Vanier Scholars demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and/or engineering and health.
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Vanier CGS) is a prestigious scholarship program in Canada that is designed to attract and retain world-class doctoral students who demonstrate both academic excellence and leadership skills. The scholarship is named in honor of Major-General Georges P. Vanier, who was the first francophone Governor General of Canada.
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Vanier CGS) is a prestigious scholarship program in Canada that is designed to attract and retain world-class doctoral students who demonstrate both academic excellence and leadership skills. The scholarship is named in honor of Major-General Georges P. Vanier, who was the first francophone Governor General of Canada.
Eligibility criteria for the Vanier CGS are specific and require applicants to be Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, or international students pursuing a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) at eligible Canadian universities. Applicants must also be nominated by the Canadian institution where they plan to study.
The selection process for Vanier CGS recipients is rigorous and based on three equally weighted criteria: academic excellence, research potential, and leadership abilities. Academic excellence is typically demonstrated through a high academic achievement record, while research potential is evaluated based on the quality and potential impact of the applicant’s research proposal. Leadership qualities are assessed through the applicant’s involvement in extracurricular activities, community engagement, and other leadership experiences.
Vanier CGS recipients receive substantial support for their doctoral studies in Canada. The scholarship is typically awarded for three years, with the possibility of extension for a fourth year if the student’s program requires it. Each recipient receives an annual stipend of $50,000, which is intended to help cover living expenses during their doctoral studies.
The scholarship is open to students pursuing doctoral studies in various fields, including natural sciences, engineering, health, social sciences, and humanities. This broad eligibility makes the Vanier CGS accessible to a wide range of academic disciplines.
The application process for the Vanier CGS involves seeking nomination from the Canadian institution where the applicant intends to pursue their Ph.D. studies. The institution then puts forward the nominated candidates to the Vanier CGS program, where a national selection committee reviews the applications. The application typically includes submitting academic transcripts, research proposals, letters of recommendation, and a personal leadership statement.
Scope
Up to 166 scholarships are awarded annually;
A total of up to 500 scholarships are active at any time.
Value
$50,000 per year
Duration
3 years (non-renewable)
Scholarships are distributed equally between the three federal granting agencies:
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Eligibility Criteria For The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship Program
Citizenship:
- Canadian citizens
- Permanent residents of Canada
- Foreign citizens
Areas of research:
- Health research
- Natural sciences and/or engineering
- Social sciences and humanities
Nomination process
Candidates must be nominated by a Canadian institution with a quota* to host Vanier scholars. Candidates should only seek a nomination from the institution at which they want to study.
*The term “quota” refers to the maximum number of nominations an institution can forward to the national competition.
Timelines
July – November 2023 | Applicants seek a nominating institution, prepare and submit application package. |
Internal Deadline (varies) | Deadline to submit application to the nominating institution. Contact nominating institution for specific date. |
November 1, 2023 (20:00 EDT) | Deadline for institutions to submit nominations to the Vanier CGS program. |
November 2023 – March 2024 | Review and evaluation of nominations. |
Early April 2024 | Anticipated notification of results. Nominees will be notified by email when the results are available on ResearchNet. |
May 1, 2024, or September 1, 2024, or January 1, 2025 | Payments begin. |
Application Deadline: November 1, 2023 (20:00 EDT).
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